Christ's Grace Abounds: Lab Test Grace

Yesterday, I had to go for a lab test. At the last minute, my doctor's office changed the appointment until next week instead of a month from now. She has to have the results from the lab tests prior to the appointment.

This was the only day I could get the lab test done and not have it interfere with other things already planned for next week. First, I tried to call the lab ahead to schedule an appointment, but it's an automated scheduler. The recording said that they take walk-ins, so I decided to go that route.

I signed in, but they didn't have the lab orders when my doctor's assistant said she would fax them in the day before when she called to change the appointment. I tried calling the doctor's office, but no one answered. I was near to tears and realized that I needed to say a brief prayer for Lab Test Grace. Even the lab technician tried calling the doctor's office.

I decided to wait and continue to call the doctor's office in case they had late lunches and just were out of the office when I called. When I got someone at the doctor's office after about ten calls, she said that her records showed that the Lab Test Request had been faxed in the day prior to that. I asked her if it could be re-Faxed. She said that the only person who that had just left for lunch minutes ago.

After about 30 minutes, I started calling the office to give the receptionist a message. The Lab Technician realized that the doctor's assistant must have tried to send the Lab Orders in by email, but they only accept them by FAX. Unfortunately, no one answered that call or the next ten to fifteen times I tried to call there. I kept praying for Lab Test Grace, because I hadn't eaten and was getting low blood sugar and was near to tears. My husband realized this and got a sandwich nearby, but I didn't eat it. I wasn't sure if I had to fast for my test or not.

Anyway, the Lab Technician eventually got through after 1 1/2 to 2 hours and they Faxed the Lab Test Request in. The test took five minutes and then we were good to go.

I was so relieved and glad for Christ's grace, so that I didn't loose my cool with people earlier, but there were a few times I came very close and needed to pray periodically.

Example of a Brief Prayer

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:11

I was with someone who was scooping up some free popcorn. They didn't ask me if I wanted any. The person told me that I should get a bag of popcorn and then took it from my hands. They wanted me to get the popcorn for them to eat later.

It's such a silly thing, but it really did irritate me. Didn't that person think about whether I wanted some or not? Couldn't they have asked me if I wanted some before they took it from my hands? I found myself getting frustrated at that person. Then, it popped into my mind that that's not what Christ wants of me. He wants me to be gracious to those who irritate me, but I was too frustrated to be gracious at that moment.

What I prayed was, "Popcorn Grace," and immediately Christ calmed me down, so that I didn't respond to the person in a less than positive manner. Although the "Popcorn Grace" prayer was very brief, I was asking Christ to please give me grace with this popcorn situation, so I would respond in a gracious manner, and He did! It amazed me that He knew and understood my brief prayer and granted me that grace, so I could be more gracious as an example of how He works in my life! I have continued to use these brief prayers which are changing my life and my response to others. If Christ can do this for me, He can most certainly do it for you, as well. Try it...what can it hurt?